Q: What benefits could Level VIII Electronic Inspections offer to motor carriers?
A: Automating inspections could save time and fuel spent by drivers idling at inspection sites. A 2007 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study estimated a simple weigh station bypass saves one-half gallon of fuel and 3-5 minutes of time, which translated to $8.68 in operating costs, which could be equivalent to over $13 when adjusting to today’s dollar.
Due to more opportunities to bypass weigh stations and fewer lane changes to exit and then merge back onto the highway, Level VIII Electronic Inspections may have a safety benefit for motor carriers. Approximately 5% of crashes occur while merging or changing lanes. And over half of two-vehicle lane change crashes involve trucks merging or performing typical lane changes.
The results of Level VIII Electronic Inspections also become a tool for motor carriers to immediately identify compliance gaps and quickly take corrective action. Additionally, FMCSA will consider how Level VIII Electronic Inspections may impact motor carriers’ Safety Measurement System (SMS) calculations, consistent with other inspections.
Q: If I participate, will the Level VIII Electronic Inspection operational test impact my SMS score?
A: No. Currently, in phase one of the operational test, the technology is being tested to prove the required data can be collected and transmitted accurately. In future phases, that data will be analyzed and verified against authoritative sources, which is crucial for determining if, how and when Level VIII data could fit into SMS. Additionally, other factors, such as the volume of data, need to be studied and understood before any suggestions or recommendations could be considered for changes to SMS calculations.
Q: How many Level VIII Electronic Inspections will I get in a day during the operational test?
A: There are many factors that go into this answer. The inspections may occur at open fixed or mobile/virtual inspection sites, typically along – but not limited to – highways and interstates. Your routes and schedule of travel will be the largest factor. The data gathered during the operational test will help establish an understanding of Level VIII Electronic Inspection volumes, as well as how often to record Level VIII data within a given timeframe for each motor carrier, driver and/or vehicle.
Q: Why should motor carriers participate in the operational test?
A: The operational test is a critical effort to evaluate whether Level VIII Electronic Inspections are feasible and have the potential to improve safety. By participating in the test, motor carriers can help to ensure FMCSA and CVSA have the data necessary to conduct an effective and robust evaluation with real-world data.
Participating motor carriers will also be able to offer feedback on how the program could be designed to best support shared goals of safer roads and greater efficiency. Participation will also allow motor carriers the necessary insight to develop their own internal policies and procedures from their own operational test takeaways. Furthermore, input on questions – such as when and how motor carriers would be notified of Level VIII Electronic Inspection results, coordination with inspection site and enforcement availability, and other practical details, as well as industry impacts and needs – will help FMCSA and CVSA in the evaluation process.
Q: Can my company still sign up to participate in the operational test? What would we need to do?
A: The initial phase(s) of the operational test is/are limited to nine carriers. As of now, there is still availability for several more. Ideally, the test will include a diverse group of participating motor carriers in terms of size, operational type, travel routes, technology providers and other factors.
Participating motor carriers will need to work with technology providers to enable the Level VIII data transfer solution in their vehicles. It is not envisioned that motor carriers would need to bear any direct costs for participation; existing technologies will be used for the test. The operational test relies on the technology and network of weigh station bypass providers to transmit the required data, but additional technology providers are welcome to submit solutions that could accommodate motor carriers that do not use these services. Participants may also be asked to provide feedback about their experience participating in the test.
To learn more or discuss participation, motor carriers should contact CVSA.